Putting salvaged Victorian fireplace back in (not for real use)

Hi Louise, There is likely to be an original fire place hearth in the room already. Victorian homes had fireplaces built in most rooms as the only heat source back then. It’s a matter of finding it. Look out for any discrepancies in the skirting boards ie. are there any joints about 4 feet apart, are there any visible lines in the plaster of the walls where it may have been boarded up. This boarding can be removed relatively easily to expose the original structure. If this is not uncovered then a carpenter may be able to open up a superficial hole in a suitable position in the room if it is a lath and plaster wall. If it is a stone wall then appoint a competent bricklayer or mason to advise on the options. Hope this helps, Ben Wright Bright Integrated Services

Hi Louise, I did something similar to the living room in my previous property. We removed a 1970's gas fire and capped off the gas supply before sourcing a Victorian cast iron fireplace from a local salvage shop (just for decoration). There were little holes on either side of the fireplace so it could be fixed into position with screws and wall plugs. I also created a hearth myself using some reclaimed terracotta quarry tiles and the result looked really good without costing a fortune. As the fireplace is just for decoration, a general builder with a some bricklaying knowledge should be able to help you with this. Hope this helps! Jack